Nerida Hansen Fabric Business Faces Complaints and Financial Troubles
Maree O'Connor ordered about $600 worth of fabrics in 2024 from Nerida Hansen, but none had arrived months later. In October 2024, O'Connor created a Facebook group which grew to hundreds of members worldwide, exposing delays experienced by buyers and alleging tens of thousands of dollars owed to suppliers.
Nerida Hansen, a renowned designer known as Australia's queen of fabrics, built a popular pandemic-era fabric business favored by sewists and influencers. However, customers faced significant issues with delivery and payments.
Bergen Anderson, another customer, ordered over $3,300 worth of Hansen fabrics in 2024 but did not receive her order after the eight-week delivery window passed. She received generic emails and saw two out of three payments reversed, ultimately being out of pocket by about $808.
Suppliers also reported financial issues. William Shan, a supplier from China, revealed that two shipments worth $52,000 remained unpaid since 2022, and subsequent orders were also left unpaid with communications ceasing.
In addition, eleven artists and illustrators affiliated with Hansen reported they had not been paid, including Clémence Albertus who was owed between €2,000 and €4,000. A collaboration with the Verhees collection was suspended without responsible royalties being paid, with Verhees stating it was not accountable for those payments.
In September 2025, Victoria's Consumer Affairs agency issued a public warning after receiving over 120 complaints reporting more than $19,800 lost. Hansen operated under multiple business names including Indigo Palm, The Kind Merch Co, Nerida Hansen Fabrics, Rebel Quilts, Australian Surface Art Collective, and Fabric and Design.
Nerida Hansen admitted to having made poor decisions, citing financial difficulties and a liquidation process in 2022 before reopening with a new entity. Delays were blamed on supplier issues and mismanagement, with a plan to complete outstanding orders by January 2025. Hansen also claimed the Facebook group caused harassment, contrasting with the organizer's intentions.
Following the consumer warning, Hansen announced plans to shut down her businesses by the end of the month to pursue a new career but continued to promote sales. Maree O'Connor stated she will continue sewing but will not wear Hansen's designs and intends to pursue justice.
